Ryerson University unveils design for Centre for Urban Innovation

Renderings of the under-construction Centre for Urban Innovation at Ryerson University

Ryerson University has revealed the design for the new Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI), a research, incubation and commercialization hub focused on solutions to urban infrastructure issues.

Designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects (MTA), CUI will provide 40,000 sq. ft. of research and fabrication space for faculty and students conducting research on alternative energy, water management, food production and data analytics.

PCL is the construction manager.

“The striking design of the Centre for Urban Innovation preserves the building’s rich history while transforming it into a modern state-of-the-art research facility,” Ryerson president and vice-chancellor Mohamed Lachemi said in a statement. “We are grateful for the investments from the provincial and federal governments, which will create new spaces and opportunities for Ryerson researchers to collaborate on finding solutions to critical to urban issues.”

The interdisciplinary hub will bring together researchers working in:

Urban energy

Infrastructure, transportation and logistics

Urban water

Food and nutrition

Data analytics

“The Centre for Urban Innovation will inspire transformational ideas and help them grow into the breakthroughs our world needs,” said federal finance minister Bill Morneau. “Our government will continue to support Canada’s innovators here at Ryerson University and across the country, as they improve our daily lives, tackle our shared challenges and create the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Built in 1886, the site was the first school of pharmacy in Canada and at that time the only teaching centre for the profession. In 1963, Ryerson acquired the heritage site which housed the university’s department of architectural technology and later Ryerson’s performance and journalism programs.

MTA’s design preserves the original three storey historic building, inserting two additions with green roofs. These purpose-built facilities dedicated to research are joined to the heritage building with sky-lit open spaces, celebrating the distinctive features of the original 1880’s lab. The major spaces within the building will be retained, including the original 19th century lecture hall. As part of Ryerson’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the project is designed to LEED Silver standards, adaptively reusing the existing building and reducing the construction footprint.

“The materiality and details for the building and its interiors are meant to convey a light touch that draws from the innovative nature of the Centre,” says Carol Phillips, lead rchitect at MTA. “The new additions will be distinguished by metal elements, glass and wood to express the aspirations of the program: efficiency, clarity and lightness in our use of energy and resources for sustainability and health.”

CUI was made possible by a $19.8 million investment from the federal government, and the building is set to open in September 2018. This development is led by the project management office within Ryerson’s Facilities Management and Development department.